Quick facts on cataracts & presbyopia

• Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common surgeries in the world.

• Everyone who lives long enough will develop cataracts.

• 91% of cataracts are caused by the aging process.

• Most people, usually beginning in their midforties, start to experience presbyopia (blurred near vision) even if they have had great vision their whole lives. Glasses are typically needed for activities such as reading, sewing, or working at the computer.

Quick facts on Crystalens^®

• Patients who are good candidates for standard monofocal IOLs are typically good candidates for Crystalens. If a patient has healthy eyes, has not had previous cataract surgery, and does not suffer from any major health problems, then he or she is likely to be a good candidate.

• More than twice the number of patients implanted with Crystalens could see well at all distances compared to a standard IOL.

• Most Crystalens patients have reduced their dependence on glasses and are able to read the newspaper or a phone book without glasses.

• Most Crystalens patients are able to see their computers, dashboards and anything else at arm’s length without glasses.

• Most Crystalens patients are able to see 20/40 or better after surgery, so the clock across the room and the TV in the corner are clearly within sight.

• Many of our Crystalens patients can see well enough to do away with their reading glasses, bifocals, or contact lenses.

• The Crystalens procedure is highly successful and most people regain very good distance vision, somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40.

Most Frequently Asked Questions  

1) What is Crystalens?

The Crystalens is an intraocular lens replacement that, unlike a standard lens, doesn’t just treat your cataracts but is designed to correct your full range of vision. The Crystalens can reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses. In fact, many patients hardly if ever need their glasses after surgery. You probably noticed in your forties that you started to lose some of your up-close vision and had to start wearing reading glasses. The unique Crystalens is designed to reduce or eliminate glasses for most activities including: reading a book, working on the computer, and driving a car.

2) How is this different from regular cataract surgery?

In the past, cataract surgery was only able to correct for cataracts and patients would still be dependent on glasses for most of their daily activities, especially for up close and intermediate. You are fortunate that there are options now for people undergoing cataract surgery. The Crystalens can correct for more than just your cataracts. The Crystalens is designed to offer you a full range of vision and reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses.

3) Will I really be able to see without glasses? Will I be 20/20?

Since everyone’s vision, expectations, and lifestyles differ it is difficult to determine how much you will be dependent on glasses. If you are like many of our patients, you should be able to experience the same quality of vision you did before you had cataracts with a reduced dependence on glasses after Crystalens surgery. At your consultation the surgeon will be able to assess what your best vision could be.

4) Will I experience halos or glare? Will this lens effect how I drive at night?

All lenses including traditional standard lenses may have some degree of halos and glare. Glare and halos have been observed with the Crystalens. However, unlike a multifocal lens, the Crystalens works similarly to your natural lens in the way it delivers all available light rays at all distances-near, far, and intermediate. So the Crystalens generally has less halos and glare than a multifocal lens. On the day of your consultation, the doctor will discuss with you all of the risks and benefits associated with a Crystalens procedure.

5) Will Crystalens stop working over time?

The Crystalens surgery is permanent and there is no reason to believe that the lens will stop working over time. Patients have had lenses implanted in their eyes for nearly 7 years with no change in its ability to flex. It is an extremely well tested and durable design. At your consultation the surgeon will be able to assess what your vision will be like after the procedure.

6) Will insurance/Medicare cover any of the procedure?

Insurance coverage varies greatly from policy to policy. Generally speaking private insurance and Medicare will cover the cataract surgical procedure and may also allow a certain additional amount for the artificial lens implants. Please bring your insurance information to your free consultation so we can see what your specific policy covers.

 

Surgery Questions

Every patient is different and only your surgeon can fully explain the details of your Crystalens procedure. However, the following information may be helpful for most patients.

7) Should I have the procedure in both eyes?

Typically cataracts will develop in both eyes, and we recommend that the surgery be done in both eyes. Usually you will have surgery on the second eye within 2 weeks of the first eye.

8) How long will the surgery take?

Cataract surgery is typically an outpatient surgery. The actual surgery itself is approximately 15-20 minutes.

9) Will I feel anything?

No. Topical anesthetic drops will be placed in your eye and oral medications may be administered to help you relax.

10) When will I be able to return to my normal activities?

Typically you will be able to return to normal activities within several days. You should be able to drive and return to work within 2-3 days.

Your eyes may be sensitive to the touch for a few days, and you should avoid strenuous activity and rubbing your eye. It is important to avoid lifting or straining that would increase pressure on your eye.

You can shower, but avoid getting soap in your eyes. Refrain from eye makeup for several weeks. You should also avoid public pools and hot tubs.

11) What should I expect during the recovery period?

Patients vary widely in how they are affected during the recovery phase. For example, for some patients it takes longer for their near vision to come into focus, while others achieve great near vision almost immediately. The best way to learn about the recovery period is to talk to your surgeon about the procedure.

12) How often will I need to have my eyes checked after surgery?

Your surgeon will advise you based on your procedure. Typically, the surgeon will see you one day after surgery, after 2-4 weeks and again around 3-6 months after surgery. Thereafter, an annual exam is sufficient.

13) Will I have to have cataract surgery again?

Once your cataracts are removed and replaced with an IOL, you will never need to have cataract surgery again. Occasionally, several months after the lens has been placed in the eye, your vision may start to become cloudy again. This can happen with any type of IOL. This is sometimes called a secondary cataract and refers to the clouding of the membrane that surrounds the implant. Your surgeon will go in and quickly remove the clouded cells. This is done painlessly in an outpatient environment and usually takes just a few minutes.